The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it has extradited a fugitive, Matthew Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.

In a statement issued on 16 April, the Force spokesperson, Anthony Placid, a deputy commissioner of police, said the extradition was facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, following a formal request by UK authorities in September 2024.

According to the police, Mr Adebiyi is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Joshua Boadu on 18 June, 2018, in the UK. He was also accused of involvement in the supply of crack cocaine, a class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018.

Mr Placid said the suspect fled to Nigeria after the alleged offences to evade arrest but was apprehended on 23 January 2025 by INTERPOL operatives in Abuja.

Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.

On 16 February, the police spokesperson said Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for Mr Adebiyi’s extradition in line with the Extradition Act.

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The police said Mr Adebiyi was subsequently handed over to UK law enforcement officials on 14 April.

“Pursuant to the court order and the execution of a surrender warrant by the relevant Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was formally handed over to United Kingdom law enforcement officials on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for diligent prosecution,” Mr Placid stated.

The police spokesperson said the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to international collaboration, stressing that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.

Nigerian Police bring fugitive to UK, he faces murder and drug trafficking charges

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